I feel so lucky to be a part of such a beautiful country. Canada celebrated her 150th birthday this month and I feel so very grateful to be residing here. I moved to Calgary, Canada from India when I was 11 years old and have been here since.

Although I can call the entire country my favourite place to be, I do have a little secret spot of my own in Calgary. I call it a secret spot because not too many people know about it. It is Bowmont park in Calgary NW.

About the Park

It is one of the most beautiful sights I have seen in all of Canada. I call it my little treasure within Calgary. The view provides you with the perfect natural scenic view of Bow River and the greenery it is surrounded by.

There is usually very few people there so it is as peaceful as a pin drop silence. I always love to go there to do my Yoga and to simply sit and meditate. I go there to breathe and clear out my thoughts.

This is my favourite image of the park. There is a mini heart shaped island in the centre of the river and it is the most stunning view. I close my eyes and I can feel the air and the water movement in the river. It is one of the most beautiful sights I have seen in all of Canada. I call it my little treasure within Calgary. The view provides you with the perfect natural scenic view of Bow River and the greenery it is surrounded by.

I discovered this park while I was attending University and went for a long drive after my last exam had ended. I somehow ended up here and went for a long walk by myself. It is the place where I allow myself to connect with myself and the Universe around me.

Plant Life

The coolest part about the park is the mini riverine forest it holds. It relies on periodic rain and flooding for regeneration and hence has been under threat for a while now. Calgary was flooded back in 2013, and while that was a hassle for the rest of the city, it was good for the plants.

Wildlife

The Bow river at Bowmont park is home to many amphibians and also including Geese and Gulls. The trees provide a home to beavers and many species of birds. There are usually signs that show deers and bears can sometimes be present, but I have not been able to witness that quite yet.

History

The bedrock of the sediments is more than 65 million years old. There has been multiple changes that the park has undergone for agriculture and also for creating a better pit for the wildlife. Many times I have gone, the benches always have a different message. People can customize a message and name a bench after someone who has passed away. “He lived a great life” or “They were the best couple” etc. would be the signs you would see.

Overall, Bowmont park is the most beautiful park I have been to in almost all of Canada and I feel privileged to be living in a city and a country as beautiful as Canada. I am grateful for the lifestyle, the nature, the convenience and all the opportunities that this country has provided me. It has empowered me to become a strong individual that I am today because I am free to walk alone and make my own decisions. I am able to stand up for myself and what is right without any hesitation because I know I am a part of a Free country!

Hi I'm Garima, Miss South Calgary World 2017

Garima is a graduate from the University of Calgary with a degree in Economics and Finance and currently works as a Financial planner. She also hosts a multicultural radio show and talks about various issues to raise awareness in the community such as rape, honour killing, bullying, gender stereotypes etc. Garima loves to volunteer and sponsors a small school in her home country, India. Garima feels very proud and privileged to be a citizen of a beautiful country like Canada. She follows many sports and loves to stay fit.